Opioid Reversal Kit

A medication called naloxone can reverse the effects of an overdose of heroin or some types of painkillers. Paramedics and emergency room doctors have used it for years to save lives.

In some states, if you, a family member, or a friend is addicted to heroin or narcotic painkillers known as opioids, you can carry naloxone. A pocket-size device that contains an injectible form of naloxone is available for use. A nasal spray version has also been approved for use and requires no special training to administer.

How It Works

Naloxone blocks the effects of drugs made from opium, or opioids. These include:

heroin

morphine

oxycodone

methadone

fentanyl

hydrocodone

codeine

hydromorphone

buprenorphine

Opioids slow your breathing. If you take too much of one, your breathing may stop and you could die. If given soon enough, naloxone can counter the overdose effects, usually within minutes.

Rising Overdose Deaths

Deaths from overdoses of narcotic prescription painkillers more than tripled in the U.S. from 2000 to 2014. These drugs now kill more people than heroin and cocaine combined.

Heroin use is also growing in the U.S. The 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 669,000 Americans use the illegal substance — nearly twice as many as in 2007. Deaths from heroin overdoses tripled between 2010 and 2014.

The rise in heroin use is believed to be linked to prescription drug abuse. Many people who abuse painkillers switch to heroin for two reasons: It is cheaper and often easier to get.

Because of naloxone’s effectiveness, the White House drug policy office now urges first responders, such as police and firefighters, to carry it.